Guard Julian DeBose plans to transfer, could return to Owls

Rice second-leading scorer Julian DeBose plans to explore a transfer to a school closer to home but will leave open the possibility of returning to the Owls.

“I have asked for my release to pursue options of transferring so I can be closer to my family,” DeBose said in a statement released by the school Wednesday. “I am grateful and appreciative of the support from the Rice community, my teammates and coaches during my two years at Rice. Rice is a special place and Coach (Ben) Braun and I are leaving the option open for returning if things do not work out for me in this process.”

DeBose, a junior guard from Washington, D.C., was granted his request to seek a transfer but he and the school have a “mutual understanding” he could return if he decides to. A source close to the program said DeBose’s decision to leave is not connected with the departure of six players last offseason.

DeBose started all 31 games last season, averaging 10.4 points and 4.3 rebounds. He shot a team-leading 43.7 percent.

“I’ve given Julian my support as he pursues his options to transfer,” Braun said. “I know how meaningful it is for him to have an opportunity to be closer to his family. He has had a great relationship with his fellow students, teammates, and our staff and we all want to be there for him. He has made great strides in our program. We certainly want to respect his request at this time.”